What is the foreign service national pay scale?

The Foreign Service National (FSN) pay scale is a compensation structure used by the U.S. Department of State for local employees working at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. It is designed to ensure that salaries are competitive with local labor markets while considering the unique conditions of each country. The FSN pay scale typically includes various grades and steps, which determine the salary based on the employee's experience, education, and job responsibilities. This system aims to attract and retain qualified local staff in support of U.S. diplomatic missions.